Many of you, I’m sure, are familiar with Samaritan’s Purse and their “Operation Christmas Child” shoeboxes.
But did you know that Samaritan’s Purse also runs a ministry called “Operation Heal Our Patriots“?
Operation Heal Our Patriots, a ministry project of Samaritan’s Purse, focuses on bringing spiritual refreshment, physical renewal, and marriage enrichment to wounded and injured U.S. military service members and their spouses. To thank these brave men and women for their service and sacrifice, we offer programs uniquely developed to strengthen the marriage relationship and build hope for the future through the transforming power of God’s Word.
Operation Heal Our Patriots’ retreat center, Samaritan Lodge Alaska, sits on five acres of pristine lakefront property on the protected shores of Hardenburg Bay, in the southwestern portion of Lake Clark National Park and Preserve. One of the deepest lakes in Alaska, Lake Clark spans 42 miles, surrounded by the glories of the Alaskan wild.
As I’ve researched and read and watched videos about this program, I have been more and more impressed with the purpose and plan of the ministry.
During each summer season, 150 couples are given the opportunity to spend a week at this amazing location, experiencing unique outdoor activities, marriage enrichment workshops, fellowship with other military couples, times of worship, and more. All travel to and from the lodge is planned and paid for by Samaritan’s Purse.
But the program does not end when couples leave Alaska.
What military couples learn and experience through Operation Heal Our Patriots gives them a solid biblical foundation upon which to build a Christ-centered marriage. Helping them live it out at home is what leads to their long-term healing. That is why our ministry includes aftercare services that include:
- Area military chaplain referrals
- Local church follow-up
- Additional resources for spiritual growth
If you have about 5 minutes, please watch this video about a young couple’s struggle and the healing they experienced while at Operation Heal Our Patriots.
This is a ministry I believe very strongly in–because we are a military family and because of my husband’s current training to be a Family Life Chaplain. I see the incredible need for strengthening military marriages, and I am thrilled as I learn more and more about Operation Heal Our Patriots. This post was written out of that excitement; there was no compensation given by Samaritan’s Purse.
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